Full Measure After Hours: "Hard Drugs; Soft on Crime (From the Archives)"

Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Sharyl Attkisson
Guest: Nathan Vasquez, Multnomah County District Attorney

1. Introduction

In this archival episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Sharyl Attkisson delves deep into the tumultuous period in Portland, Oregon, surrounding the controversial legalization of hard drugs. Through an in-depth conversation with Nathan Vasquez, the newly appointed District Attorney of Multnomah County, the podcast unpacks the ramifications of soft-on-crime policies and the subsequent community backlash.

2. Background of Multnomah County's Drug Policy

Portland's venture into legalizing hard drugs, including heroin and fentanyl, was part of a broader ballot measure known as Measure 110. This initiative, influenced by external think tanks and backed by figures like George Soros, aimed to address drug addiction through decriminalization and treatment rather than incarceration.

Nathan Vasquez (03:37): "Portland has been through an immense upheaval in the last, you know, four, you know, 10 years."

3. Impact of Legalizing Hard Drugs

The implementation of Measure 110 led to a surge in drug-related issues. Portland became a hotspot for drug tourism, attracting individuals from neighboring states seeking access to legalized hard drugs. This influx contributed to an alarming rise in overdose deaths and public drug use.

Nathan Vasquez (06:09): "We saw people coming from outside of our state to be here for that purpose."

4. Rise in Crime and Community Response

Coinciding with drug legalization, Portland experienced a dramatic increase in various crimes, including homicides, property crimes, and vehicle thefts. The defunding of the police force further exacerbated these issues, leading to strained relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Nathan Vasquez (08:30): "We went from averaging about 20 to 30 homicides in the city of Portland to over 100."

This surge in crime catalyzed public dissatisfaction, culminating in the election of Nathan Vasquez, who ran on a platform opposing Measure 110 and advocating for stricter law enforcement.

5. Election of Nathan Vasquez

Vasquez's campaign focused on restoring public safety and accountability within the criminal justice system. His message resonated with voters who felt abandoned by previous soft-on-crime policies.

Nathan Vasquez (10:53): "It's okay to hold people accountable if they break the law... We need a functioning system."

The shift in public sentiment was evident when voters rescinded Measure 110 and elected Vasquez as the new District Attorney, signaling a desire for change.

6. Current Strategies and Goals

As DA, Vasquez aims to reverse the negative trends by:

• Reducing Homicide Rates: Implementing strategies to significantly lower the number of homicides in Portland.

• Addressing Overdose Deaths: Initiating programs to combat the overdose crisis through better treatment and prevention measures.

• Combating Public Drug Use: Enforcing existing drug laws to decrease the visibility of drug use in public spaces.

Nathan Vasquez (20:32): "Seeing our homicide rates come down, seeing public use of these hard drugs see that change, and to see a dramatic drop in our overdose deaths."

7. Marijuana Legalization Effects

While hard drugs were decriminalized, marijuana legalization brought its own set of challenges. Although legal, the marijuana industry grapples with issues like increased robberies and thefts due to the cash-heavy nature of the business, compounded by unresolved federal policies.

Nathan Vasquez (15:27): "We see significant robberies and issues related to the marijuana industry... There can be ramifications that come with that."

8. National Perspective on Crime Policies

Vasquez observes a national pendulum swing from ultra-progressive, soft-on-crime approaches to more balanced, middle-ground strategies that emphasize both accountability and rehabilitation.

Nathan Vasquez (18:06): "It has swung back to the middle... holding folks accountable, but doing it in a very reasonable, compassionate way."

9. Challenges and Controversies

One of the significant controversies during the previous DA's tenure involved the commutation of sentences for violent criminals, including those convicted of sexual assault. Vasquez expresses strong opposition to these actions, highlighting the potential dangers of undermining public safety.

Nathan Vasquez (21:19): "I was very shocked that that was even a possibility... particularly those involved in sexual assault."

Internally, while there were differing opinions within the DA's office, Vasquez received strong support from his colleagues and the DA's union, reinforcing the community's demand for a robust legal approach.

10. Homelessness and Crime

The homelessness crisis in Portland is intricately linked to the rise in crime. With increasing numbers of vulnerable individuals on the streets, there has been a spike in violent crimes against them, further straining the city's resources and exacerbating the safety concerns.

Nathan Vasquez (27:48): "They are our most vulnerable victims... it's something that I've been very diligent with and very vigilant to make sure that my office is really doing everything we can to help that part of our community."

11. Collaboration with City Leadership

Vasquez actively collaborates with the mayor to address homelessness and crime. They share the goal of reducing visible homelessness and ensuring public safety, though the challenges remain substantial.

Nathan Vasquez (25:48): "I'm fully supportive of that because I certainly want to see individuals ... into housing."

12. Conclusion

The episode underscores the complexities of drug policy reform and its profound impact on community safety and public trust in law enforcement. Nathan Vasquez's tenure as DA represents a pivotal shift towards reinstating stringent criminal justice measures, aiming to rectify the unintended consequences of previous liberal policies.

Nathan Vasquez (25:15): "The last thing I ever want to see is that victims are left out of that conversation."

Notable Quotes:

• Cheryl Achison (03:14): "This is your first week on the job."

• Nathan Vasquez (10:53): "It's okay to hold people accountable if they break the law... We need a functioning system."

• Nathan Vasquez (18:06): "It has swung back to the middle... holding folks accountable, but doing it in a very reasonable, compassionate way."

• Nathan Vasquez (25:15): "The last thing I ever want to see is that victims are left out of that conversation."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the critical discussions between Sharyl Attkisson and Nathan Vasquez on the intricate dynamics of drug policy, crime, and community response in Portland, Oregon.